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Even though the number of avian flu cases has waned in recent weeks, the economic impacts of the worst bird flu outbreak in U.S. history are not likely to disappear any time soon. The first turkey producers in central Minnesota that broke with the virus in early March have started to re-populate their barns, slightly over 90 days after their flocks were depopulated....More

The number one risk facing agriculture is international trade, because many facets of the agriculture industry are internationally interconnected. The slowdown of emerging economies is in full gear, and the results are being observed in the re-entrenchment of prices for commodities such as grains, oil, steel and copper. The slowdown is targeted toward the flyover states, i.e. the agricultural and rural regions in the U.S....More

Storm clouds are building as American agriculture, specifically the grain sector, is entering phase one of the post-commodity super cycle downturn. One of the first signs of a downturn is buildup of machinery and equipment inventory on dealership lots. Another: access to short-term operating credit will become an issue as some producers fail to meet existing loan covenants....More

If you look back five years, what would you have said then compared to where we are today? Let’s dial the time machine back to 2010 and examine some of the hits and misses in economic projections....More

I gave a recent conference attendee an assignment to complete during his nearly two hour drive home that evening. His assignment was to come up with 10 perspectives from my speech and give them to mom to turn in when she returned the next morning. And he did. From moderation in family living cost to knowing your bottom line, that young college student picked up my tips for success....More

Heather Oden says today’s female generation can benefit from being part of what has been a predominantly male industry. “Today’s production agriculture creates opportunities for women that we did not have before. Sometimes I stand out in a meeting because I am a female. That gives me a platform to educate other farmers about my role on the farm."...More

Amid an ongoing worldwide slump in grain prices, Eighth District agricultural bankers reported a continued decline in farm income during the first quarter of 2015 compared with the previous year, according to latest Agricultural Finance Monitor. The average value of quality farmland also declined, with this trend expected to continue during the second quarter....More

In late March, USDA announced some proposed revisions to the actively engaged rules that are designed to further clarify some of the definitions and rules surrounding the requirement for management in a farm operation. This could potentially restrict certain individuals that currently qualify for farm program payments from potentially having future farm program payment eligibility beginning with the 2016 crop year....More

Last week we talked about cash flow, sensitivity analyses and liquidity and how those matter when working with your ag lender. This week, lets go over the importance of a business plan, communications and productive assets....More

In the 5 ag stories to read this week, get some tips for managing late-planted corn and learn about a bollworm that could make its way to the U.S. Get ag secretary Vilsack's take on the latest G-20 commitment to food security and download a mobile app for identifying weeds. Finally, read commentary from a farmer who's sick of the bashing and finger-pointing.

We will continue to strive, as an information provider, to present you with good examples that help you make the most of your 40 chances. As Howard wrote in his book, “You’ve learned from your mistakes, but I’d guess that none of you feel you can afford to take a single year left on your string for granted.” We wholeheartedly agree....More

In an environment of reduced prices and relatively high costs, the financials can quickly get out of hand if they are not analyzed and monitored. As producers look to diversify or shift enterprises, penciling out possible outcomes is critical upfront....More

Best management practices are hot topics inside and outside of agriculture. Have you ever wondered how you stack up as an agriculture producer? This year’s group survey at TEPAP results exhibited three potential weaknesses given the current agricultural economy which is transition....More

In my road warrior travels interacting with producers and agribusiness leaders, there is much discussion concerning oil prices and other economic variables that seem to provide a surprise around every corner. A question from one producer was, “How is oil connected to up to 80% of farm and ranch expenses and potential revenue?”...More

A “kiss of death” to businesses is bringing the younger generation into the business on a manager’s salary, but with hired employee work or skill sets. This principle is accentuated in a volatile economic climate....More

Handling employee issues in a farm business, particularly a family-run farm business, is tricky. Sometimes, a meeting is a better choice than an email. But treating all employees like employees, and not family, is a must....More

The 5 ag stories to read this week brings you the latest on proposed regulations for drones. Learn about the value of lost organic matter due to erosion, and meet farmers who are using websites to get more business. Read about canceling land rent contracts, and a positive article from The New York Times featuring a no-till farmer.

Education does have an impact on employment, income, and who participates in the workforce. Moving forward, the agriculture industry will be starved for talented people who can manage increased sophistication of technology and innovation on complex businesses....More

Grant Noland encourages farmers to always add a personal touch when communicating with their landlords. “What you are doing on the farm is information they want and need, but they also want a look inside how your family operates and what makes your family tick. A little trivia can generate a buzz and attract new opportunities.”...More

A recent Reuters news article titled “Rent walkouts point to strains in U.S. farm economy,” claims that some farmers have abandoned farmland-rental commitments. "It might be better to let it go and cut your acres back, cause if you lose $100 per acre on a farm have to make up that loss from other farms,” says Kent Thiesse, vice president of MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal, Minn....More

The first question I ask is, “Will the farm purchase be consistent with your business, family, and personal goals?” Too often investment decisions are made without determining their alignment with goals of other family members and partners....More

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke to farmers this week at Commodity Classic. He thanked them for their hard work, extended the deadline for base acre and yield changes, asked for their help in passing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade promotion and addressed GMOs....More